Royal honour for Peterborough engineering firm's apprentice training standards

Stainless Metalcraft, based in Chatteris, has just been named as a winner of the 2026 Princess Royal Training Awards.

It is the third time that Metalcraft has been recognised by the annual Princess Royal Training Awards which honours organisations showing an outstanding commitment to the learning and development of its staff.

The company had to undergo a rigorous assessment to demonstrate its programme continues to meet high standards.

It is one of just 56 successful candidates for the award from 132 applications spanning sectors from global security and further education to heritage crafts and prison rehabilitation.

Chris Duggan, managing director of Stainless Metalcraft, said: “We are delighted that we have been successful in renewing our award, which reflects the hard work the team has put in to developing our apprenticeship programme over the last three years, including the successful opening of the North Cambs Training Centre.

“Apprentices and home-grown engineers are the lifeblood of our business and we are constantly reviewing the programme to ensure it meets the evolving needs of our business.

"Last year we took on our first mechatronics apprentice, for example, and we are proud that so many of our home-grown employees go on to enjoy rewarding, long-term careers in the industry.”

The awards are supported by the Princess Royal who is president of the City & Guilds Foundation, promoting skills development.

Jessica Leigh Jones, the foundation chair, said: "The breadth of organisations is truly inspiring.

"We are proud to hold these organisations up as proof of what happens when skills are taken seriously. Congratulations to all recipients.”